Had a trashed Gen 1 RX-7 in the 90s
06-18-23, 07:40 AM
#1
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Had a trashed Gen 1 RX-7 in the 90s
In 97 and 98. It was a 1983, not a GSL, manual everything but the A/C worked. Had three different size tires on it when it got it. Had only three brakes at one point. A shop didn't tighten the lugs when they fixed a flat and the wheel and tire took off down River Rd in the middle of downtown Baton Rouge, finally coming to a stop in the middle of the upcoming intersection, which also happened to be where I worked, basically.
That car survived a tornado. In a parking lot with about a dozen other vehicles, it got turned 90 deg from where I parked it, but it was the only vehicle without a busted window, somehow.
I had to have a driveshaft made for it. You couldn't replace the u joints. I've never had a car so beaten down and abused (before I got it). And it was still the most fun car I've ever had. I've had a hard on for RX7s since I saw my first one when I was a kid in the late 70s. That goes for most of the Japanese sports cars of the era, and I've had others of other brands, but the RX7 has always been the one I loved the most.
Had to sell that 83. It was just too far gone. I didn't want to dump the money it needed at the time. I figured I'd find a nicer model, but then life happens and priorities change pdq.
I've always casually kept my eyes open, and have really been looking intensely lately. I figured it was time to join the premier RX7 forum before I actually pull the trigger.
It doesn't seem like there's as many on the market over the last year or so as there were four or five years back. People are sitting on them and not selling right now it seems.
One thing I'm glad to see is that the support for the first gen is a lot better than what we had pre-internet, which is when I owned my RX7. Back then, I remember there was a concern that some of the ignition parts were become scarce, but that's so not an issue now with the aftermarket options.
Anyway, I've been lurking some and just doing some general digging for my own research interest. There's some very nice rides here amongst the members, of all 3 gens.
Are any of you following that white 10th anniversary over on BAT right now? Holy crap, that's gotta be one of the most Holy Grail of the second gens, period. And that particular one is very sweet. Too bad it's already past my budget. I really want another gen one, but that 1988 model is exceptional.
That car survived a tornado. In a parking lot with about a dozen other vehicles, it got turned 90 deg from where I parked it, but it was the only vehicle without a busted window, somehow.
I had to have a driveshaft made for it. You couldn't replace the u joints. I've never had a car so beaten down and abused (before I got it). And it was still the most fun car I've ever had. I've had a hard on for RX7s since I saw my first one when I was a kid in the late 70s. That goes for most of the Japanese sports cars of the era, and I've had others of other brands, but the RX7 has always been the one I loved the most.
Had to sell that 83. It was just too far gone. I didn't want to dump the money it needed at the time. I figured I'd find a nicer model, but then life happens and priorities change pdq.
I've always casually kept my eyes open, and have really been looking intensely lately. I figured it was time to join the premier RX7 forum before I actually pull the trigger.
It doesn't seem like there's as many on the market over the last year or so as there were four or five years back. People are sitting on them and not selling right now it seems.
One thing I'm glad to see is that the support for the first gen is a lot better than what we had pre-internet, which is when I owned my RX7. Back then, I remember there was a concern that some of the ignition parts were become scarce, but that's so not an issue now with the aftermarket options.
Anyway, I've been lurking some and just doing some general digging for my own research interest. There's some very nice rides here amongst the members, of all 3 gens.
Are any of you following that white 10th anniversary over on BAT right now? Holy crap, that's gotta be one of the most Holy Grail of the second gens, period. And that particular one is very sweet. Too bad it's already past my budget. I really want another gen one, but that 1988 model is exceptional.
Last edited by Sayre; 06-18-23 at 07:45 AM.
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diabolical1 (06-18-23)
06-18-23, 09:34 AM
#2
welcome to the board. 
i really enjoyed reading your post. it took me back to a much simpler time in my life. i can definitely relate to your Rx-7 experiences. prices are a bit crazy right now, but every so often i see one or two that might need a little love, but are what i would consider affordable. so definitely don't give up and good luck in your search.
this board is awesome! if you feel that way about a car that has been long gone from your life, then i'm fairly sure you'll fit in. let us know whenever you get one. i look forward to hearing more from you.
i really enjoyed reading your post. it took me back to a much simpler time in my life. i can definitely relate to your Rx-7 experiences. prices are a bit crazy right now, but every so often i see one or two that might need a little love, but are what i would consider affordable. so definitely don't give up and good luck in your search.
this board is awesome! if you feel that way about a car that has been long gone from your life, then i'm fairly sure you'll fit in. let us know whenever you get one. i look forward to hearing more from you.
06-18-23, 09:43 AM
#3
I actually own Rotaries
iTrader: (40)
Love this story!
06-19-23, 05:47 AM
#4
Welcome to the forum! I enjoyed reading your post. I bought my first RX-7 in the late 90's as well and it was beat down but it always rand and drove and got me where I needed. I loved that car. I haven't been without an RX-7 since then, though that car is long gone, consumed by rust and regrettably scrapped (long before I knew better). Wishing you the best of luck in your search for the perfect RX-7!
06-19-23, 05:53 AM
#5
Newbie
Thread Starter
I forgot to mention that it had 167k miles on it when I got it. You could tell the apex seals were getting a little weak, I believe.
Everybody is going after the GSLs and the SE models right now. I just want a decent, sub 100k, manual, 83 to 85. Even without rear disc brakes, my 83 was the best stopping car I ever had until I got my current Mustang.
Everything I have now with four wheels is big, heavy, and has an automatic. I need that connectedness that almost no other car give you that the RX7 has in spades.
Everybody is going after the GSLs and the SE models right now. I just want a decent, sub 100k, manual, 83 to 85. Even without rear disc brakes, my 83 was the best stopping car I ever had until I got my current Mustang.
Everything I have now with four wheels is big, heavy, and has an automatic. I need that connectedness that almost no other car give you that the RX7 has in spades.
06-19-23, 05:56 AM
#6
Newbie
Thread Starter
I drove that 83 for a long time with three brakes. All the guts of the drivers side rear drum got lost when the wheel fell off. I took the brake line off the back of the rear brake cylinder, and stuck a small finishing nail in the end of the tube, blocking it off.
It's surprising how well a RX7 stops with only three brakes.
It's surprising how well a RX7 stops with only three brakes.
Last edited by Sayre; 06-19-23 at 07:23 AM.
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